The ordinance changes also included updating fees, some of which have not changed in years, were varied within the city code or out of line with state laws.
Starbuck's interest in a corner lot in the city sparked a nearly hourlong discussion on the wisdom of giving the Planning Board the flexibility to change setbacks in the Central Business District.
Ward 2 Councilor Charles Kronick's attempt to impose a minimum 30-year age requirement on School Committee candidates and a one-year "cooling off" period for elected officials did not fare well with the City Council.